Monash Health has updated its smoke-free policy – now a smoke-free and vape-free policy – to ensure it meets legislative Tobacco Act 1987 (Vic) obligations in relation to e-cigarettes.
The newly endorsed policy update reinforces the message that smoking and/or vaping is not permitted anywhere in or on Monash Health vehicles, workplaces, or premises and strongly discouraged next to adjacent residential areas.
Other changes to the new policy include:
- inclusion of our commitment to the Global Standards for Tobacco Free Healthcare Services and the Achievement Program, supported by the Victorian Government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria
- an explicit statement that no tobacco industry sponsorship or funding will be accepted, and
- a commitment that events run by Monash Health off site will be advertised as smoke-free and vape-free.
The revised policy aims to maintain a safe and healthy smoke-free environment for the health and safety of patients, residents, visitors, contractors, volunteers, students and employees.
The policy also states:
- No individual is obligated to be exposed to tobacco smoke or e-cigarette vapor while undertaking any work for Monash Health
- Employees must not provide escort off-premises for patients to smoke or vape
- Monash Health has a Smoke-free Committee to govern the policy.
Monash Health is fully committed to providing a smoke-free and vape-free environment for all our employees, patients and visitors. In line with our Smoke-free Action Plan, reducing employee smoking rates and supporting those who wish to quit or reduce their smoking habits are critical objectives for us.
Research indicates that eight out of 10 smokers in Victoria express a desire to quit. To achieve this goal effectively, a comprehensive approach to quitting is essential. For many smokers, a brief intervention from their healthcare professional, combined with pharmacotherapy and behavioural intervention, can significantly increase their chances of successfully quitting and adopting healthier habits.
At Monash Health, we are implementing several initiatives to reduce smoking and vaping on our premises and provide a supportive model of care for those who smoke or vape. The Corporate Smoke-free Committee has developed a Smoke-free Action Plan with three key objectives:
- Create and embed a smoke-free environment
- Reduce employee smoking rates
- Support patients in their efforts to quit smoking.
The Committee is working on a number of initiatives to help achieve these objectives.
Monash Health can support you in your quit journey. Accessing the Quitline (QUIT) is free, please call 13 QUIT or 13 7848 or visit quit.org.au. Referrals are not needed; anyone can access Quitline.
All employees have access to the Employee Assist Program (EAP), where an expert consultant can help you set clear goals for any lifestyle issues, including addictions. Call 1300 687 327.
Monash Health smoke-free policy documents available on PROMPT:
- Monash Health’s Smoke-free and Vape-free Policy
- Monash Health’s Smoke Free Procedure
- Nicotine Dependence Clinical Guideline and Pathway
- Smoking cessation in pregnancy
- Smoking cessation potential interactions with medications
Extra resources:
- For more information on vaping visit the Vaping Facts page
- I want to help a loved one or friend quit
- Download a brochure for a plan to quit
- I am part of or want to help someone in the LGBTIQ+ community to quit
- If you would like to speak to an Aboriginal Quitline counsellor
- To access self-help materials: Tips Hub, QuitCoach, QuitText, or My Quit Buddy
If you want further information on the work of the Smoke-free Team, please contact them at smokefree@monashealth.org
Approved by Sharyn Donald, General Manager, Public Health and Infectious Diseases